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Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Art devotion: An Artistic God - 1 Kings 6:35

1 Kings 6:35 He
carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers on them and overlaid them with
gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

I love reading about the craftsmanship
that occurred during the building of Solomon’s Temple. As an artist, I
appreciate the descriptions of what was carved in order to decorate and set
apart the temple as holy. In my mind’s eye, I try to picture what it would look
like and sometimes I seek out other artist’s illustrations. However, I think it
must have been must grander than I or anyone else can imagine.

Some people believe that artistic images
are sinful and should never be allowed in churches. During the Reformation,
many churches had their beautiful carvings, statues, and windows smashed to
pieces and destroyed. If the destructive Protestant iconoclasts had ever
reached Pisa, Florence, or Rome, we might never have known of the beautiful,
artistic, and sculpted works of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Cellini. Thank
goodness that it was the will of God to keep those sacrilegious vandals away
from those masterworks!

We are all pieces of art, created,
shaped, and sculpted by God. We are living testimonies of His masterworks. How
we express or convey our faith displays who we faithfully are to the rest of
the world. Our personal contribution to Christianity is carved by what we say
and do. Sometimes we allow God to do the shaping; at other times, we take over
and diminish part of what He has initially created.

Let’s use this day as a time of witness
and faith. Let’s make a focused and worthwhile attempt of allowing God to shape
our day, our decisions, and our faith. May we surrender ourselves to His spiritual
influence over our hearts and minds. In other words, may we all become what God
wants to make of us today.

Questions for personal reflection

When am I most
aware of God’s influence and direction over my life? What can I do to freely
give this day to Him?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are several paths
and choices that we could take and make today. Guide us completely by Your
will, so that our words, works, and ways may become effective and positive displays
of Your influence in our lives, as well as Your mission for the world. In Your
Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send
John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s
image is one of John’s Christ images called “Redeemer Rabbi.” If you would like
to view a larger version, please click the following link: Redeemer
Rabbi.